Why does my breastmilk taste soapy?

Understanding the Soapy Taste in Breast Milk
For many breastfeeding mothers, the experience of expressing milk can sometimes lead to unexpected surprises, one of which is a soapy taste or smell. This phenomenon, while concerning, is often linked to natural processes occurring within the milk itself.
The Role of Lipase
The primary culprit behind the soapy taste in breast milk is an enzyme called lipase. Lipase is naturally present in breast milk and plays a crucial role in breaking down fats, making them easier for infants to digest. However, in some women, particularly those with higher levels of lipase, this enzyme can become overly active. When breast milk is stored, especially if it is kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator for extended periods before freezing, lipase continues to work. This activity can lead to the breakdown of fats into free fatty acids, which can impart a soapy or metallic flavor to the milk.
Storage Conditions Matter
The way breast milk is stored significantly influences its taste. Milk that is left out at room temperature or not frozen promptly can develop a stronger soapy taste due to increased lipase activity. Interestingly, freshly pumped milk typically does not exhibit this flavor because lipase is not activated immediately; it takes some time for the enzyme to start breaking down the fats. Therefore, if a mother notices that her milk tastes soapy after being stored, it may be a result of how long it has been kept before freezing.
Is It Harmful?
Despite the unusual taste, milk that has a soapy flavor due to high lipase levels is generally not harmful to infants. Many babies will still accept and consume milk with this taste without any issues. However, some mothers may find it concerning and might want to take steps to manage the flavor.
Managing High Lipase Milk
For mothers who are troubled by the soapy taste, there are several strategies to mitigate the issue. One effective method is to scald the milk before storing it. This process involves heating the milk to just below boiling, which deactivates the lipase enzyme and can help preserve the milk’s flavor during storage. Additionally, ensuring that milk is frozen promptly after pumping can also help maintain its taste.
In conclusion, while a soapy taste in breast milk can be alarming, it is often a benign result of lipase activity. Understanding this process can help mothers navigate their breastfeeding journey with greater confidence and ease.

What is soapy taste a symptom of?

Problems with gum and tooth health can cause a soapy or metallic taste in the mouth. If a person does not maintain good oral hygiene, old food may be left behind in the teeth and gums, changing the way food tastes. Gum disease can cause a soapy taste in the mouth.

What enzyme makes breast milk taste like soap?

Lipase helps support your little one’s digestive functioning, assists in breaking down triglycerides to release fat-soluble nutrients and protects against infection. But when lipase activity is excessively high, it breaks down fat too quickly, which can lead to breast milk that tastes or smells soapy or metallic.

Is it OK for baby to drink high lipase milk?

Having high lipase is not dangerous and the breastmilk is still perfectly fine for baby to drink, but many babies will reject this milk because they don’t like the taste.

How to tell if breastmilk is high in lipase?

You can’t see lipase, but changes in taste or smell can indicate its presence. The most notable signs of high lipase milk are changes in taste and smell. You might notice your milk having a scent or taste similar to metallic, vomit, eggs, soap, or fishy.

How do you know if your breast milk is spoiled?

Human breast milk can spoil just like any other kind of milk. This leads to a sharp, sour smell and flavor. There’s no way to save spoiled milk. You should be able to tell it’s spoiled by tasting a sip of it yourself.

Is it normal for breast milk to taste like soap?

Milk that has a high level of lipase can develop a soapy smell and taste, but is not harmful to the baby. Most babies don’t mind it, but if yours starts rejecting the milk (either with their first taste or later as they develop taste preferences), there is a way to prevent and fix it.

How do you get rid of high lipase in breast milk?

***Per Lawrence & Lawrence, bile salt-stimulated lipase can also be destroyed by heating the milk at 144.5 F (62.5 C) for one minute (p. 205), or at 163 F (72 C) for up to 15 seconds (p. 771).

Why did my milk taste like soap?

As with smell, a feed or forage change can rapidly be reflected in the taste of milk, as will the consumption of certain plants, including garlic and onions. Milk that tastes soapy, bitter, or like blue cheese is characterized as rancid, which is caused by a breakdown of the milkfat into fatty acids.

Why does my pumped breast milk look soapy?

But when lipase activity is excessively high, it breaks down fat too quickly, which can lead to breast milk that tastes or smells soapy or metallic. These changes can be noticeable after your milk has been pumped and stored.

Is it normal for breast milk to be foamy?

Totally normal! Just like other milks (cow, oat, almond, etc) will also foam up a bit if shaken. I’ve heard that shaking it isn’t a good idea because it traps air that can give your baby gas–but I’ve also heard that’s a myth?